Hydrocephalus is a medical condition where water is found on the brain, and as such, this medical condition is also referred to as water on the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs due to the buildup of CSF or cerebrospinal fluid on the brain’s cavities. In most cases, an obstruction blocks in the brain’s cavities which stop the correct fluid drainage.

The water buildup raises the intracranial pressure within the skull which in turn compresses the brain tissues nearby. This causes convulsions, the enlargement of the head as well as brain damage. Patients who suffer from this medical condition may face death if the disease is not treated.

Types of hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus comes in three types. First is the congenital hydrocephalus which is already present among patients upon birth. This can be caused by an infection suffered by the mother while pregnant like mumps. Hydrocephalus is considered as one of the most usual development disabilities.

The second type of hydrocephalus is acquired hydrocephalus which is developed after the child is born. Acquired hydrocephalus in most cases is sustained after a head injury or a stroke which resulted in serious head injury.

The third type of hydrocephalus is the normal pressure hydrocephalus which only affects older people; 50 years and above. This type of hydrocephalus is likely to develop after a person suffered from injury or stroke. Doctors are uncertain on how this hydrocephalus has developed.

Symptoms and signs of hydrocephalus

A baby who is suffering from hydrocephalus may show signs and symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, stiffness of muscles, development delays among kids, drowsiness or irritability and inability to move the head and the back.

Babies are also likely to fail to feed properly, and its head may be larger than usual while the scalp is tiny and shiny. Babies with hydrocephalus also vomit and experience seizures.